Meet New England’s Favorite Dancer and Defender. Saniya Rivers is Unrivaled.
If you see someone dancing on the sidelines at a Connecticut Sun game while also playing incredible defense, you’re probably watching rookie guard Saniya Rivers. Although she has only played one season in the WNBA, Rivers has quickly become a fan favorite for her infectious personality and aggressive defense. Read on to learn more about her!
Saniya Rivers grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she attended Eugene Ashley High School.
Rivers graduated in 2021 and went to the University of South Carolina. She won a national championship with the Gamecocks in 2022, but transferred to North Carolina State University soon after.
Rivers entered the WNBA draft in 2025 and was selected No. 8 by the Connecticut Sun, where she played her entire rookie season.
Throughout her 2025 rookie season, Rivers averaged 8.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.
Saniya Rivers will spend her offseason playing for Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league that Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart co-founded last year. Rivers was drafted to Hive Basketball Club for the 2026 season.
You can watch Saniya Rivers dance and defend in person in Miami at a Hive game, or online on TNT, TruTV or HBO Max. Tune in starting Jan. 5 to watch Rivers shine in another rookie season!